Communal gaming system

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine system for a communal slot machine game is disclosed. The system includes processing means for determining a result of a slot machine game, a communal display device ( 1 ) for displaying the result and a plurality of terminals ( 2 - 11 ) linked via communication means to the processing means. A number of the terminals ( 2 - 6 ) are physically located proximate the communal display device ( 1 ) so that players of these terminals can see the result on the communal display device ( 1 ). A number of the terminals are located remote from the communal display device ( 1 ). These remote terminals ( 7 - 11 ) are provided with individual displays to allow respective players to see the result. In playing a communal slot machine game with the system, the outcome at each of the terminals is solely dependent on the single, communal result determined by the processing means.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaming machine systems, andparticularly gaming machine systems in which a communal slot game can beplayed on gaming machines that are linked together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Communal gaming systems, in which multiple players use individualterminals to play a shared game, have gradually gained in popularity.These games have generally been casino-style table games such asBaccarat and Roulette, where a group of players play against or for acommon result. Generally such games pit each user independently againstthe house, such that again whether one player wins or loses will notaffect the results of another player. It is because of the style of thegame that such terminals can be linked within regulatory requirements inmany jurisdictions. The typical layout of these units has a number ofterminals, generally from 2 to 12, placed in view of a central displayor results terminal, often referred to as a dealer display device (DDD).

The advantage of these linked terminals for the operator is that theyare able to earn higher returns for the system as a whole, and thesystem cost per terminal is decreased as the number of terminalsincreases.

One issue for the casino operator is the relative cost of thearrangement. Generally, the DDD is relatively expensive, and theoperator may need to cater to various locations and preferences, forexample smoking and non smoking. Hence, the operator may need to set upmultiple communal games around individual DDDs.

It is an object of this invention to provide a gaming machine systemwhich allows the operator to better provide for player locationpreferences, in a cost effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides in one aspect a gaming machine systemincluding:

processing means for determining a result of a slot machine game;

a communal display device for displaying said result;

a plurality of first terminals linked via communication means to saidprocessing means, wherein each of said plurality of first terminals arelocated proximate said communal display device whereby users of saidfirst terminals are able to perceive the result displayed on saidcommunal display device; and

a plurality of second terminals communicating with said processingmeans, wherein each of said plurality of second terminals are locatedremote from said communal device, each of said second terminalsincluding a display for displaying the result to a user of the secondterminal;

wherein an outcome at each of said first and second terminals is solelydependent on the single, communal result determined by said processingmeans. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method ofoperating a communal slot game, said game being provided using a systemincluding processing means for determining a result of a slot machinegame;

a communal display device for displaying said result;

a plurality of first terminals linked via communication means to saidprocessing means, wherein each of said plurality of first terminals arelocated proximate said communal display device whereby users of saidfirst terminals are able to perceive the result displayed on saidcommunal display device; and

a plurality of second terminals communicating with said processingmeans, wherein each of said plurality of second terminals are locatedremote from said communal display device, each of said second terminalsincluding a display for displaying the result to a user of the secondterminal;

wherein said method includes the steps of;

receiving wagers on individual ones of said first and second terminals;

displaying an indication on at least said second terminals and on saidcommunal display of the time remaining to play;

at the conclusion of that time, said processing means determining theresult of the game and communicating the result to each of said firstand second terminals; and

paying the respective payouts at each of said first and secondterminals.

In a preferred form, one of said first terminals is a master terminaland includes the processing means, and relays the result to the otherterminals. However, the processor may be a separate device, or aterminal not available for regular play. Most preferably, the secondterminals receive results from the master terminal, as well as theimages from the communal display terminal.

In the preferred system the payouts are managed by each local terminalbased upon the wagers made at that terminal, and the resultscommunicated from the processing means. However, the present inventioncould be implemented with the processor determining the payouts and theterminals relaying the outcome to the player.

Ideally, the processing means determines results at predeterminedintervals, and the time to the next interval may be displayed on thecommunal display device and the displays of each of said secondterminals. This has the advantage for slot machine type game over knownindependent slot machines of regulating the pace of play.

Each terminal may include a user interface that displays a history ofuser wagers, previous communal results, or other selected data. The userinterface may also assist the user to place wagers on the game.

The present invention accordingly provides a way for operators to easilyadd further communal play terminals, without requiring any alteration tothe existing network other than to provide a communication path forresults. Each new terminal preferably manages payouts separately, sothat the master terminal need not be modified for extra terminals asthey are added.

The present invention is applicable to any type of communal game, forexample simulated table games, simulated reel games, racing games or anyother game which can be configured with a central result and individualbetting against the house.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an exemplary configuration of apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred system of the present invention allows a common slot gameto be played on a plurality of linked terminals which are, for example,each built similar to a standard slot machine so as to provide userswith a familiar outlook. Each terminal can be linked to a centralprocessor via communication means, such as a wired or wireless network.This central processor is responsible for determining a single result ofa slot machine game effective and common for all terminals, the outcomeof the players' wagers at each terminal being solely dependent on thissingle result. A number of the linked terminals are located proximate toa DDD, and further linked terminals are located remote from the communaldisplay device. The remotely located terminals display the images (or asubset) from the DDD. The DDD obviates the need for such display on theproximate terminals, and although such a display could be provided onthese terminals, this is not preferred.

In playing the game, a player is required to undertake no actions otherthan to select a wager, in a manner similar to a slot machine. Theamount and nature of the wager may be selected, depending upon thecommunal game being played. The terminal interface and images displayedwill be appropriate to the game, as is known for existing communalgames. For example, for a communal slot game, the player may select thenumber of lines to play, and the number of credits to bet. For aroulette game, the player may select bets and combinations from adisplayed layout, using a touch screen. The present invention is notlimited in application to any particular game type.

An important distinction between a communal game and a stand alonegaming machine is that the player does not initiate play. A centralprocessor provides the game play and determines a result of the game,preferably at predetermined times or intervals. Ideally the centralprocessor determines the result, provides the result for display on thecommunal display device and the remote terminals, and each terminal usesthe local player selections and the communal results to make payouts atthat terminal. As a consequence, the addition of extra terminals doesnot require the game engine, payouts or mathematics to change.Similarly, the removal or non-operability of terminals does not affectthe ability of the system as a whole to operate.

In the preferred system the linked player terminals may have a playerinterface which displays a history of player wagers, previous results,or other selected data and may assist the player in making wagers on thegame by providing information on the game and the manner of placingbets. The terminals need not determine any results themselves if sorequired by regulatory requirements. If desired, a much simpler terminalcan be used rather than a conventional slot machine.

As all betting is on a communal outcome, it is possible to implementfeatures into games which cannot be readily implemented in conventionalstand alone games. For example, on the occurrence of some event, theplayers may have the option to participate in a different game type,which is played communally, such as a horse racing game where eachplayer is assigned or selects a horse. Many alternatives are possible byrunning the game outcome communally but allowing for local betting oneach terminal.

In more detail, in the preferred implementation of the present inventiona communal slot game system is provided in which the game played is aslot machine game using moving (rotating) reels. The result of the gameis a result as created on a slot machine and is a common result to allplayers on the individual terminals linked to the same centralprocessor. The players are rewarded for their wager on the game based onthe prizes generated by lines and other combinations of symbolsdisplayed on the moving reels.

The central processor determines a result every x units of time (e.g.,seconds or minutes) and displays it on a communal display and remoteterminal displays. The displays show the number of lines played(selectable from 1 to y, where y is the maximum lines available) and theamount bet per line. The determined result is then fed to the individualterminals dependent on the bet configuration so that the local terminalcan pay any winnings (payouts) to the players based on their bets.

Referring now to FIG. 1 a schematic diagram of an exemplary arrangementof the present invention is shown. In this arrangement, a centralprocessor is housed in a master terminal (2). The master terminal (2) islinked via communication means to a communal display device (1). Themaster terminal (2) and a number of slave terminals (3-6) are physicallylocated in close proximity to the communal display device (1) so thatplayers on these terminals can comfortably view the communal displaydevice (1). A number of remote slave terminals (7-11) are also provided.The location of these remote slave terminals (7-11) is generally suchthat players on these terminals are not able to view the communaldisplay device (1), for example, the remote terminals may be located ina different room from the communal display device (1). Each remote slaveterminal (7-11) is provided with an individual display for theirrespective players.

The master terminal (2) is linked with all the slave terminals (3-11)via communication means. In the configuration shown, the master terminal2 communicates the results to the next terminal in the chain, terminal3, which in turns send them to terminal 4, and so forth. In analternative implementation, the master terminal provides the resultsdirectly to each terminal.

The results information sent by master terminal 2 is only timing andresults information—player betting is managed by each terminal locally.Timing information may be minimal, for example to display the timeremaining until next game, and to trigger a lockout while the game isplayed. The master terminal also drives the DDD 1, to show resultsinformation, graphics to attract players, and a suitable simulated reelmovement or the like when the game is played. Operationally, once thebetting time is completed, master terminal 2 sends a command to the DDD1to represent the results in a certain graphical fashion. The results arethen communicated to the other terminals.

The game itself runs on a processor (not shown) in master terminal 2.Any suitable game may be used, preferably with suitable modificationsfor communal play. For example, accumulating jackpots cannot be readilyimplemented in a communal play environment. The game engine, however,may be of any suitable conventional type, as would be understood bythose skilled in the art. Although the example used is for a simulatedreel game, the invention is applicable to any communal game type.

In the present example, in a slot machine game a number of moving reelsare rotated to result in a random drawing of a combination of symbols.Winnings are then awarded to the players in accordance with theirparticular wagers based on the correspondence of this resultingcombination with predetermined winning combinations. As such, uponcompletion of the game through the generation of the result, therelevant winnings (payouts) are awarded by each terminal (2-11) to theplayers in accordance with their wagers and selections.

The individual terminals (2-11), which act as automated transactionstations, record all player bets and previous results and are used toplace individual bets. These terminals (2-11) are independent of eachother in all respects except their common link to the resultdetermination.

All results that are generated by the controller are visually displayedon the DDD (1) and on the displays of each remote slave terminal (7-11).The communal display device (1) and the displays of the remote slaveterminals (7-11) may also provide a visual representation of the gamebeing played. This representation may show the random drawing of thecombinations and all resulting winning combinations, and display acountdown to each game (i.e., the time remaining until the result of thenext game is to be determined) based on the time allocation of the xunits of time.

In the above description the processor is housed in a master playerterminal (2), however the processor may not necessarily be part of aplayer terminal. The processor could be provided in a separate unit orbe incorporated with the communal display device in a display unit.

The terminals on the remote terminals 7 to 11 preferably display thesame images as on the DDD, which may be simply relayed over the network.Alternatively, they may display a subset of that information which iscomposed and relayed, suitable to the particular conditions. Forexample, the display at the remote terminal may be of lower resolutionand size, or the player attracting graphics may be not activated when aplayer is at the remote terminal and has credits in the machine. Theseare all matters which can be determined based upon the desired localoperating conditions and system features required.

The other terminals 3-11, apart from the display, differ from aconventional gaming machine in that they do not require a game engine assuch, merely appropriate software to receive and record bets, and paythem out responsive to the results supplied by the master terminal 1.

In a preferred form, the results are supplied in the form of a simpledata set, which the respective terminal applies to the wagers madelocally, and determines the winnings for the respective player. Theresults set will vary with the nature of the game. It may include aspecific set of winning selections—for example, pay only certainpaylines, and in this amount (for each credit).

One outcome of the present invention is that it increases the volatilityof earnings for the operator. With many independent machines, each isrunning a separate game, and the jackpots are more likely to even out.With a communal game, if a large payout outcome occurs, then all playerswill win in most cases.

Whilst the system and method of the present invention has beensummarised and explained by illustrative example it will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that many widely varying embodiments andapplications are within the teaching and scope of the present invention,and that the examples presented herein are by way of illustration onlyand should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention.

1. A gaming machine system including: processing means for determining aresult of a slot machine game; a communal display device for displayingsaid result; a plurality of first terminals linked via communicationmeans to said processing means, wherein each of said plurality of firstterminals are located proximate said communal display device wherebyusers of said first terminals are able to perceive the result displayedon said communal display device; and a plurality of second terminalscommunicating with said processing means, wherein each of said pluralityof second terminals are located remote from said communal displaydevice, each of said second terminals including a display for displayingthe result to a user of the second terminal; wherein an outcome at eachof said first and second terminals is solely dependent on the single,communal result determined by said processing means.
 2. The gamingmachine system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first andsecond terminals is adapted to determine individual payouts for each oftheir respective users based on the communal result and a wager andselections made at each of said first and second terminals.
 3. Thegaming machine system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said processingmeans determines communal results at predetermined intervals, and thetime to the next interval is displayed on the communal display deviceand each display of said second terminals.
 4. The gaming machine systemas claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said first and second terminalsincludes a user interface that displays a history of user wagers,previous communal results, or other selected data.
 5. The gaming machinesystem as claimed in claim 4, wherein said user interface assists theuser of each terminal to place wagers on the slot machine game.
 6. Thegaming machine system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said processingmeans is provided in one of said first terminals.
 7. The gaming machinesystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein the timing of each play cycle iscontrolled by said processing means.
 8. The gaming machine systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the system is configured such thatindividual ones of said first and second terminals can be added orremoved without altering said processing means.
 9. A method of operatinga communal slot game, said game being provided using a system includingprocessing means for determining a result of a slot machine game; acommunal display device for displaying said result; a plurality of firstterminals linked via communication means to said processing means,wherein each of said plurality of first terminals are located proximatesaid communal display device whereby users of said first terminals areable to perceive the result displayed on said communal display device;and a plurality of second terminals communicating with said processingmeans, wherein each of said plurality of second terminals are locatedremote from said communal display device, each of said second terminalsincluding a display for displaying the result to a user of the secondterminal; wherein said method includes the steps of; receiving wagers onindividual ones of said first and second terminals; displaying anindication on at least said second terminals and on said communaldisplay of the time remaining to play; at the conclusion of that time,said processing means determining the result of the game andcommunicating the result to each of said first and second terminals; andpaying the respective payouts at each of said first and secondterminals.
 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the time betweensuccessive game cycles is predetermined.
 11. A method according to claim9, wherein each of said first and second terminals is adapted todetermine individual payouts for each of their respective users based onthe communal result and a wager and selections made at each of saidfirst and second terminals, and to pay the corresponding payouts.